Method and device for executing object on display

ABSTRACT

A method and device for executing an object on a display. The method of executing an object includes receiving a user input to an object displayed on a display; gradually enlarging and displaying the object; and executing the application corresponding to the object as the object is enlarged.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/646,233, filed on Oct. 5, 2012 in the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice, which claims priority from Korean Patent Application No.10-2012-0036245, filed on Apr. 6, 2012, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The exemplary embodiments relate to a method and device for executing anobject on a display according to a user input.

2. Description of the Related Art

A device is classified into a mobile/portable device and a stationarydevice according to whether the device is moveable. In detail, themobile/portable device is classified into a handheld device and avehicle mount device according to whether a user carries the device.

Along with diversified functions of these devices, multimedia playershave been developed to have multiple functions, for example, a still orvideo image photographing function, a music or video file reproducingfunction, a game function, a broadcast receiving function, and so on. Inorder to support these functions of these devices, the improvement ofthe devices in terms of the structure and software can be considered.

Recently, in order to obtain simple design of a device and to provide aconvenient user interface (UI) to a user, technologies related to atouch input, such as a touch screen, a touch pad, or the like have beenapplied to devices. Accordingly, various attempts have been tried torealize more convenient UI environments by using these touch inputtechnologies.

SUMMARY

The exemplary embodiments provide a method and device for executing anobject on a display, which execute an operation about the object in onemode of a plurality of execution modes related to the object accordingto a user input to the object on a display

The exemplary embodiments also provide a method and device for executingan object on a display, which execute application corresponding to theobject according to a user input for enlarging the object on thedisplay.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided amethod of executing application, the method including receiving a userinput to an object displayed on a display; gradually enlarging anddisplaying the object; and executing the application corresponding tothe object as the object is enlarged.

The method may further include displaying an executing result of theapplication corresponding to the object on an enlarged region of theobject.

The method may further include checking a size of the enlarged object,wherein the displaying of the executing result of the application mayinclude displaying the executing result of the application correspondingto the object on the enlarged region of the object when the size of theenlarged object is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includegradually enlarging and displaying the executing result of theapplication as the object is enlarged.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying a portion of an execution image of the application, anddisplaying a remaining portion of the execution image of the applicationas the object is enlarged.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying summary information about the executing result of theapplication when a size of the enlarge object is equal to or greaterthan the first threshold value and is equal to or smaller than a secondthreshold value.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying detailed information about the executing result of theapplication when the size of the enlarge object is equal to or greaterthan the second threshold value.

The method may further include generating vibration of a predeterminedpattern as the executing result of the application is displayed.

The application may be application for reproducing a video, and thedisplaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying a preview image of the video on the enlarged region of theobject when a size of the enlarge object is equal to or greater than afirst threshold value.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying a reproduced image of the video on the enlarged region of theobject when the size of the enlarge object is equal to or greater thanthe first threshold value and is equal to or smaller than a secondthreshold value.

The application may be calendar application, and the displaying of theexecuting result of the application may include changing and displayingat least one calendar image from among a day unit image, a week unitimage, and a month unit image on the enlarged region of the objectaccording to a size of the enlarged object.

The application may be application for reproducing music, and the methodmay further include outputting a prelisten sound of the music when asize of the enlarged object is equal to or greater than a firstthreshold value.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying summary information about the music when the size of theenlarged object is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

The method may further include outputting a reproduced sound of themusic when the size of the enlarged object is equal to or greater than asecond threshold value.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying a control image for controlling reproduction of the music onthe enlarged region of the object when the size of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

The user input may be performed by touching and dragging the object.

The method may further include reducing the enlarged object to anoriginal size before the touching is performed, as the touching isdropped within a predetermined period of time after the dragging isperformed.

The method may further include reducing the enlarged object to anoriginal size before the touching is performed, as the object is flickedin an opposite direction to a direction in which the object is enlargedafter the dragging is performed.

The method may further include fixing a size of the enlarged object asthe touching is held for a predetermined period of time after thedragging is performed.

The method may further include detecting a pressure applied to thedisplay due to the touching; and fixing a size of the enlarged object asa pressure that is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity isapplied to the display due to the touching after the dragging isperformed.

According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there isprovided a portable terminal device including a memory for storing atleast one program; and a processor for executing an object on a displayby executing the at least program, wherein the at least one program mayinclude commands for executing operations for receiving a user input toan object displayed on a display; gradually enlarging and displaying theobject; and executing application corresponding to the object as theobject is enlarged

The at least one program may include commands for executing an operationfor displaying an executing result of the application corresponding tothe object on an enlarged region of the object.

The at least one program may include commands for executing an operationfor checking a size of the enlarged object, wherein the displaying ofthe executing result of the application may include displaying theexecuting result of the application corresponding to the object on theenlarged region of the object when the size of the enlarged object isequal to or greater than a first threshold value.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includegradually enlarging and displaying the executing result of theapplication as the object is enlarged.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying a portion of an execution image of the application, anddisplaying a remaining portion of the execution image of the applicationas the object is enlarged.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying summary information about the executing result of theapplication when the size of the enlarge object is equal to or greaterthan the first threshold value and is equal to or smaller than a secondthreshold value.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying detailed information about the executing result of theapplication when the size of the enlarge object is equal to or greaterthan the second threshold value.

The at least one program may include commands for executing an operationfor generating vibration of a predetermined pattern as the executingresult of the application is displayed.

The application may be application for reproducing a video, and thedisplaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying a preview image of the video on the enlarged region of theobject when the size of the enlarge object is equal to or greater thanthe first threshold value.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying a reproduced image of the video on the enlarged region of theobject when the size of the enlarge object is equal to or greater thanthe first threshold value and is equal to or smaller than a secondthreshold value.

The application may be calendar application, and the displaying of theexecuting result of the application may include changing and displayingat least one calendar image from among a day unit image, a week unitimage, and a month unit image on the enlarged region of the objectaccording to the size of the enlarged object.

The application may be application for reproducing music, and the methodmay further include outputting a prelisten sound of the music when thesize of the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the firstthreshold value.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying summary information about the music when the size of theenlarged object is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

The at least one program may include commands for executing an operationfor outputting a reproduced sound of the music when the size of theenlarged object is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

The displaying of the executing result of the application may includedisplaying a control image for controlling reproduction of the music onthe enlarged region of the object when the size of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

The user input may be performed by touching and dragging the object.

The at least one program may include commands for executing an operationfor reducing the enlarged object to an original size before the touchingis performed as the touching is dropped within a predetermined period oftime after the dragging is performed.

The at least one program may include commands for executing an operationfor reducing the enlarged object to an original size before the touchingis performed as the object is flicked in an opposite direction to adirection in which the object is enlarged after the dragging isperformed.

The at least one program may include commands for executing an operationfor fixing a size of the enlarged object as the touching is held for apredetermined period of time after the dragging is performed.

The at least one program may include commands for executing an operationfor detecting a pressure applied to the display due to the touching; andfixing a size of the enlarged object as a pressure that is equal to orgreater than a predetermined intensity is applied to the display due tothe touching after the dragging is performed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the exemplary embodimentswill become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodimentsthereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a case where an object is executed on a displayof a device by using a method of executing an object, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of executing an object, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of displaying an execution result ofan object according to a second execution mode, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of a method of executing applicationcorresponding to an object and displaying an execution result of theapplication as the object is enlarged, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of a method of executing applicationcorresponding to an object and displaying summary information anddetailed information about an executing result of the application as theobject is enlarged, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of a method of executing videoapplication corresponding to an object and displaying an executingresult of the application, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of a method of executing calendarapplication corresponding to an object and displaying an executingresult, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of a method of executing musicreproducing application corresponding to an object and outputting anexecuting result, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of receiving additional information ofan object and content about the object from a server and displaying theinformation as the object is enlarged via a device, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a user input for executingapplication corresponding to an object, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a case where an enlarged object is reduced,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a case where an object is fixed and displayed,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a case where an executing result of applicationcorresponding to an object is displayed as the object is graduallyenlarged, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a case where a portion or an entire portion ofan execution image of application corresponding to an object isdisplayed on a screen as the object is gradually enlarged, according toanother exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a case where a calendar image is graduallychanged and displayed as an object is enlarged when applicationcorresponding to the object is calendar application, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a case where a preview image of a video and areproduced image of the video are displayed as an object is enlargedwhen application corresponding to the object is video application,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a case where an executing result of applicationis gradually changed and displayed as an object is gradually enlargedwhen application corresponding to the object is music reproducingapplication, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a case where an executing result of applicationis gradually changed and displayed as an object is gradually enlargedwhen application corresponding to the object is Internet browserexecuting application, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a case where the positions and arrangements ofobjects other than an enlarged object are adjusted as the object isenlarged, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a diagram of a case where an enlarged image of whichtransparency is adjusted is displayed as the object is enlarged,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a diagram of a case where an object contained in an enlargedobject is enlarged and displayed according to a user input, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a diagram of a case where information about a message isdisplayed as a message notice window is enlarged, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a diagram of a case where some of a plurality of widgetwindows are enlarged and displayed on a screen of a device, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a diagram of a case where regions of a plurality of enlargedobjects are fixed on a screen of a device, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 25 is a diagram of a case where a device receives a music file froma server and displays information about the music file on an enlargedregion of a music file icon, as the music file icon is enlarged,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a diagram of a case where information about a video file isdisplayed on an enlarged region of a video file when a device cannotreproduce the video file, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 27 is a diagram of a device for executing an object on a display,according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described in detail so as for those ofordinary skill in the art to easily implement with reference to theaccompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments may beimplemented in various different forms and are not limited to theseexemplary embodiments. To clearly describe the exemplary embodiments, apart that is not necessary to explain the exemplary embodiments isomitted in the drawings, and like reference numerals in thespecification denote like elements.

In the specification, when it is described that a certain part is“connected” to another part, it should be understood that the certainpart may be directly connected to another part or electrically connectedto another part via another part in the middle. In addition, when acertain part “includes” a certain component, this indicates that thepart may further include another component instead of excluding anothercomponent unless there is no different disclosure.

In the specification, the term ‘device’ may be, but is not limited to, asmart phone, a portable phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), alaptop, a media player, a global positioning system (GPS) device, orother mobile or non-mobile computing device. In addition, the device mayinclude various devices for receiving a touch input, such as anelectronic bulletin board, a touch table, or the like.

In this specification, the term ‘object’ refers to an object that may beselected by a user input. The object includes an image, a text, and avideo, and for example, an icon, an index item, link information, areproduced image of contents, and so on.

In this specification, the term ‘tap’ refers to a motion that a uservery quickly touches a screen with a finger or a stylus. That is, inthis case, a time difference between a touch-in time when the screen istouched by the finger or the stylus and a touch-out time when the fingeror the stylus is took off the screen is very short and is equal to orless than a critical time.

The term ‘touch & hold’ refers to a motion that a user touches a screenwith a finger or a stylus and then maintains a touch input for acritical time or more. That is, in this case, a time difference betweenthe touch-in time and the touch-out time is equal to or greater than acritical time. In order to allow the user to recognize whether the touchinput is the tap or the touch & hold, if the touch input is maintainedfor the critical time or more, a feedback signal may be visually oraurally provided.

The term ‘double tap’ refers to a motion that a user quickly touches ascreen twice with a finger or a stylus.

The term ‘drag’ refers to a motion that a user sets a finger or a styluson a screen and then moves it across the screen.

The term ‘flick’ refers to a motion that a user very quickly drag with afinger or a stylus. The drag and the flick may be distinguished whethera moving speed of the finger or the stylus is equal to or greater than acritical speed.

The term ‘pinch’ refers to a motion that a user touches a screen with aplurality of fingers or styluses and then an interval between thefingers or the styluses is widened or narrowed. A motion that the usertouches the screen with two or more fingers and then widens an intervalbetween the fingers or the styluses is referred to as unpinching. Amotion that the user narrows the interval is referred to as pinching. Asan example of the pinch, a page zooms-in according to an unpinchinginput and zooms-out according to a pinching input.

In this specification, an execution mode may include, for example, afirst execution mode, a second execution mode, and a third executionmode.

The first execution mode may be a mode in which an operation formanaging an object on a display is executed. In addition, in the firstexecution mode, a selection list for selecting at least one operationfor selecting, copying, cutting, and moving the object on the display,and a user may select one of operations indicated on the selection listto manage the object on the display.

The second execution mode may be an execution mode for executingapplication corresponding to the object while enlarging the object. Inthe second execution mode, as the object is gradually enlarged by a userinput and the application corresponding to the object may be executed,the execution result of the application may be displayed on a region ofthe gradually enlarged object.

The third execution mode may be a mode for displaying the executionresult of the application corresponding to the object on a separatewindow. In the third execution mode, the execution result of theapplication corresponding to the object may be displayed on a separatepop-up window.

The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsare shown.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a case where an object is executed on a displayof a device by using a method of executing an object, according to anexemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, a predetermined object may be displayed on a screenof the device according to the present embodiment and the object may beselected by a user touch. The object refers to an object that may beselected by a user input. The object includes an image, a text, and avideo, and for example, an icon, an index item, link information, areproduced image of contents, and so on. For example, the object on thescreen of the device may include, but is not limited to, an icon of avideo file, an icon of a music file, an icon of video reproducingapplication, an icon of music reproducing application, weatherinformation providing widget, and calendar widget.

According to a user input for selecting the object, one of a pluralityof execution modes may be determined, and an operation of the device,which corresponds to the object, is performed according to thedetermined execution mode. As the object is enlarged according to a userinput, the execution result of application corresponding to the objectmay be displayed may be gradually enlarged.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of executing an object, according toan exemplary embodiment.

In operation S200, a device receives a user input to an object. Inoperation S200, the device may receive the user input through a touchscreen. Here, a touch input may be formed by at least one gesture oftouch, hold, tap, drag, flick, pinching, and unpinching. The user inputis not limited to the touch input, and may include a voice input and agesture for moving the device.

In operation S210, the device determines one from among a plurality ofexecution modes according to the user input. A plurality of executionmodes of the device may be set so as to perform different operationswith respect to an object according to the user input of the object.

The plurality of execution modes may include, but are not limited to, atleast one of a first execution mode, a second execution mode, and athird execution mode.

The first execution mode may be a mode in which an operation formanaging an object on a display is executed. For example, in firstexecution mode, at least one of selecting, copying, cutting, and movingthe object may be performed.

The second execution mode may be an execution mode for executingapplication corresponding to the object while enlarging the object. Forexample, in the second execution mode, as the object is graduallyenlarged by a user input and the application corresponding to the objectmay be executed, the execution result of the application may bedisplayed on a region of the gradually enlarged object.

The third execution mode may be a mode for displaying the executionresult of the application corresponding to the object on a separatewindow. In the third execution mode, the execution result of theapplication corresponding to the object may be displayed on a separatepop-up window.

The first, second, and third execution modes may be matched withrespective user inputs. For example, a user input performed by touchingan object for a predetermined period of time or more may be matched withthe first execution mode.

In addition, for example, a user input performed by touching an objectfor a predetermined period of time or more and then dragging the objectmay be matched with the second execution mode. In this case, as an edgeportion of the object is touched and is dragged, applicationcorresponding to the object may be executed according to the secondexecution mode. For example, a user input performed by pinching anobject may be matched with the second execution mode. In addition, forexample, a user input performed by touching an object a predeterminednumber of times within a predetermined period of time may be matchedwith the third execution mode. However, the exemplary embodiment is notlimited thereto.

In operation S220, the device executes application corresponding to theobject according to the determined execution mode. In operation S220,the device may perform an operation corresponding to the objectaccording to the execution mode matched with a user input. For example,when the object is an execution icon of weather application, the devicemay execute weather application. In addition, for example, when theobject is a link item for accessing a predetermined website, the devicemay execute an Internet browser.

In operation S230, the device terminates an operation corresponding tothe object according to a user input. In operation S230, as the objectis touched and dragged and then the object is dropped within apredetermined period of time, the device may terminate the operationcorresponding to the object. In addition, as a user input, which isperformed by touching and dragging the object and then flicking (ordragging) the object in an opposite direction to a direction in whichthe object is enlarged while the touch is maintained, is input, thedevice may terminate execution of the operation corresponding to theobject. In addition, as the object terminates the operation, the devicemay reduce the enlarged object to an original size and may display theobject.

In addition, the enlarged object may be reduced according to apredetermined user input. For example, when a user selects awindow-close-icon displayed on the region of the enlarged object, theenlarged object may be reduced. Alternatively, for example, when theuser touches the enlarged object for a predetermined period of time ormore, moves the touched object to a predetermined region (for example, aregion where a trash box icon) by dragging the object, and drops theobject, the object may be restored to an original state. Alternatively,for example, when the user unpinches the enlarged object, the enlargedobject may be reduced. Alternatively, for example, when a corner of theenlarged object is touched for a predetermined period of time and thenis dragged or flicked in a diagonal direction, the enlarged object maybe reduced. Alternatively, for example, when the user rubs the enlargedobject and wallpaper together, the enlarged object may be reduced.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of displaying an execution result ofan object according to a second execution mode, according to anexemplary embodiment.

In operation S300, a device enlarges an object according to a userinput. In operation S300, the device may enlarge the object in responseto a user input performed by touching and dragging the object within apredetermined period of time. For example, as an edge portion of theobject is touched and dragged, the object may be enlarged. In this case,the device may determine a degree at which the object is enlarged, basedon a distance between a position at which the object is touched and aposition at which the dragging is finished. Alternatively, for example,the object may be enlarged by a user input performed by pinching theobject.

In addition, the device may enlarge the object based on a user inputincluding two steps. The device may determine whether an enlargingfunction of the object is activated, based on a user input. After theenlarging function of the object is activated, when the device receivesa user input, the device may enlarge the object.

For example, when the object is touched and held for a predeterminedperiod of time or more, the enlarging function of the object may beactivated. Alternatively, for example, when a predetermined voice isinput to the device, the device may activate the enlarging function ofthe object. In this case, an enlarging size of the object andinformation displayed on the enlarged object may be previouslydetermined and the determined information may be displayed on the regionof the enlarged object having the determined size.

Alternatively, for example, when the object is multi-touched, theenlarging function of the object may be activated. Alternatively, whenthe object is touched and is dragged in a predetermined pattern (forexample, a circle, zigzag, etc.), the device may activate the enlargingfunction of the object. Alternatively, when a touch pressure of theobject is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity, the devicemay activate the enlarging function of the object.

In addition, an effect for indicating that the enlarging function of theobject is activated to the user may be displayed. For example, when theenlarging function of the object is activated, a user interface (UI) fora predetermined operation (for example, an operation for enlarging theobject) may be displayed at a corner of the object. In addition, whenthe enlarging function of the object is activated, the object displayedon a display may shake or may be enlarged. Alternatively, when theenlarging function of the object is activated, the object may bedisplayed tridimensionally. For example, an edge of the object may bedisplayed thick or the region of the enlarged object may be displayedconcave inward of the display.

In addition, as the enlarging function of the object is activated, aseparate object to be enlarged according to a user input may begenerated and displayed. For example, when a first icon is touched andheld for a predetermined period of time or more, a second icon forexecuting application corresponding to the first icon may be generatedand displayed. In addition, the second icon may be an icon in which theenlarging function is activated.

In addition, the device may enlarge the object according to a user inputto an object of which an enlarging function is activated. For example,the device may enlarge the object according to a user input performed bya pinching input to the object of which the enlarging function isactivated. When the object is touched with at least one finger and isunpinched, the object may be enlarged. Alternatively, the object may beenlarged according to a user input performed by touching and unpinchinga region where the object on a display does not exist.

Alternatively, the object may be enlarged according to a user inputperformed by touching and dragging the object of which the enlargingfunction is activated. Alternatively, for example, the object may beenlarged according to a user input performed by touching a plurality ofnumber of times the object of which the enlarging function is activated.In this case, the object may be enlarged to a predetermined size.

In addition, for example, when a separate object to be enlarged isgenerated and displayed, the separate object may be enlarged to apredetermined size by touching the separate object.

In operation S310, the device may display the executing result ofapplication. In operation S310, the device may display the executingresult of application on a region of the enlarged object. For example,as the device enlarges the object, the device may display the executingresult of application corresponding to the object on the region of theenlarged object. In this case, as the application is enlarged, theexecuting result of the application may be gradually enlarged and may bedisplayed. In addition, as the object is enlarged, some functions of theapplication may be performed.

For example, when the object is enlarged by touching and dragging theobject, when the device starts receiving a drag input, the executingresult of application may be displayed. In addition, after the draginput is received, when the object is dragged by a predetermineddistance or more, the executing of the application may be displayed.

In addition, information that is displayed as the executing result ofthe application may be obtained from application installed in thedevice, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. The devicemay receive information about execution of application from a separateserver and may display the received information. In this case, thedevice may be connected to the separate server and may receiveinformation about execution of application from the connected separateserver. In addition, the device may push a request for the informationabout execution of application to the separate server. If a networkingenvironment is unstable, when data receipt from a server is delayed, thedevice may display an image that is previously captured as an executingimage of application that is previously used, as the executing result ofapplication.

A method of receiving and displaying additional information about anobject from a server and content about the objet as the object isenlarged will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9.

In addition, the device may receive information about execution ofapplication from another device (not shown) and may display the receivedinformation. In detail, as a predetermined object displayed on thedevice is enlarged, the device may be pared with another device (notshown), and the device may gradually receive partial information anddetailed information about content related to the object according tothe size of the enlarged object. For example, when an object forsearching for a file of the device is displayed on the device and isenlarged by a first threshold value or more, the device may receive anddisplay summary information of a file stored in another device (notshown) from another device (not shown). In addition, when the object isenlarged by a second threshold value or more, the device may receive anddisplay detailed information stored in another device (not shown) fromanother device (not shown).

In addition, the device may display the object together with theexecuting result of application on the region of the enlarged object,but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

In addition, the device may partially or entirely display the executingresult of application on the region of the enlarged object according tothe size of the enlarged object. In addition, the device may generate aplurality of images indicating the executing result of application andmay display the plurality of images according to the respective sizes ofthe enlarged object.

In addition, as the executing result of application is displayed,vibration of a predetermined pattern may be generated in the device.When the executing result of application is displayed on the region ofthe enlarged object, the executing result of application is emphasizedand displayed for a predetermined period of time. For example, whenexecuting result of application is displayed, the enlarged object ofwhich an edge is colored with a predetermined color blinks a pluralityof number of times for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively,for example, when the executing result of application is displayed, apredetermined sound may be output from the device. Alternatively, forexample, when the executing result of application is displayed, apredetermined smell may be generated. Alternatively, for example, whenthe executing result of application is displayed, shape of a surface ofthe device may be changed and a user may feel the change in the surfaceof the device via his or her sense of touch. In this case, the surfaceof the device may partially become convex or concave, but the exemplaryembodiment is not limited thereto.

In addition, the device may fix the region of the enlarged objectaccording to a user input and may display an executing result of anoperation corresponding to the object on the fixed object region. Forexample, after the object is touched and dragged, as the touch of theobject is held for a predetermined period of time or more, the devicemay fix the size of the enlarged object and may display the executingresult of the operation corresponding to the object on the fixed region.Alternatively, for example, after the object is touched and dragged, thedevice may detect a pressure applied by touching a display. When thedetected pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, thedevice may fix the size of the enlarged object.

When the object is an icon for executing a predetermined content file,information contained in the executing result of application may varyaccording to a type of the content file.

For example, when the content file is a picture file, information abouta picture image, a picture photographing time, a picture photographingplace, and a picture photographing resolution may be contained in theexecuting result of application corresponding to the picture file.

In addition, for example, when the content file is a video file,information about an encoding method, a play time, and a videoresolution may be contained in the executing result of applicationcorresponding to the video file.

In addition, for example, when the content file is a music file,information about an encoding method and a play time, and albuminformation may be contained in the executing result of applicationcorresponding to the music file.

In addition, for example, when the content file is an applicationinstallation package file, a type of a platform which is subject toinstallation, application information, user evaluating information ofapplication may be contained in the executing result of applicationcorresponding to the application installation package file.

In addition, when the object is a folder icon, information about iconsof files included in the folder and folder information may be containedin the executing result of application corresponding to the folderinformation.

As the object is enlarged, the positions and arrangements of the otherobjects other than the enlarged object may be adjusted on the display.The other objects other than the enlarged object may be arranged outsidethe region of the enlarged object on the display. However, the exemplaryembodiment is not limited thereto. The enlarged object may overlap theother objects and may be displayed. In this case, the transparency of aregion of the overlapped object may be adjusted such that the enlargedobject may be displayed to be translucent. In addition, whether theenlarged object overlaps with the other objects or the other objects arerearranged may be determined in various ways according to the size of ascreen of the display and the number of objects on the display.

A method of displaying an executing result of application as an objectis enlarged will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 through 18.

FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of a method of executing applicationcorresponding to an object and displaying an execution result of theapplication as the object is enlarged, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

In operation S400, a device receives a user input to an object. Inoperation S400, the device may receive a user input performed bytouching and dragging the object for a predetermined period of time.Alternatively, the device may receive a user input performed by touchingand dragging an edge portion of the object. Alternatively, the devicemay receive a use input performed by pinching the object. However, auser input received by the device is not limited to these types.

In operation S410, the device may determine whether the size of theregion of the enlarged object is equal to or greater than a firstthreshold value. In operation S410, the device may enlarge the object asthe edge portion of the object is touched and dragged. In addition, thedevice may obtain the size of the region of the enlarged object, basedon a distance between a position at which the object is touched and aposition at which the dragging is finished. Alternatively, in operationS410, the device may enlarge the object as the object is pinched. Inaddition, the device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, based on the distance between a position at which the object istouched and a position at which the dragging is finished.

In addition, the size of the region of the enlarged object may beobtained based on a distance between a position at which the object istouched and a position at which the dragging is finished. For example,the size of the region of the enlarged object may be determined based onan area of a rectangle having, as a diagonal line, a line from theposition at which the object is touched and the position at which thedragging is finished. Alternatively, for example, the size of the regionto the enlarged object may be determined based on an area of a circlehaving, as a diameter, a line from the position at which the object istouched and the position at which the dragging is finished.Alternatively, for example, the size of the region of the enlargedobject may be determined based on a horizontal or vertical line of arectangle having, as a diagonal line, a line from the position at whichthe object is touched and the position at which the dragging isfinished.

In addition, the first threshold value may be previously set. The devicemay compare the obtained size with the first threshold value and maydetermine whether the size of the region of the enlarged object is equalto or greater than the first threshold value.

As a determining result of operation S410, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the first thresholdvalue, in operation S420, the device executes application correspondingto the object. For example application corresponding to the object maybe, but is not limited to, weather application, calculator application,news application, stock application, calendar application, videoreproducing application, and music reproducing application. In addition,as the object is enlarged, only some functions of functions ofapplication may be executed.

In operation S430, the device displays a portion of the execution imageof application on the region of the enlarged object. In operation S430,the device may cut the portion of the execution image of application andmay display the cut image on the region of the enlarged object.Alternatively, as the object is enlarged, the device may gradually addanother portion of the execution image other than the cut portion of theexecution image of application on the region of the enlarged object soas to gradually display the execution image from a portion to an entireportion on the region of the enlarge object.

In operation S440, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than a second thresholdvalue. In operation S440, as an edge portion of the object is touchedand dragged, the device may obtain the size of the region of theenlarged object, based on a distance between a position at which thedevice is touched and a position at which the dragging is finished.Alternatively, in operation S440, as the object is pinched, the devicemay obtain the size of the region of the enlarged object based on adistance between positions at which the object is touched for pinching.

In addition, the device may compare the obtained size with the secondthreshold value and may determine whether the size of the region of theenlarged object is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

The second threshold value may be set according to the type ofapplication corresponding to the object. Alternatively, the secondthreshold value may be set according to the number and size ofcomponents contained in an image indicating an executing result ofapplication. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

As a determining result of operation S440, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue, in operation S450, the device displays an entire portion of anexecution image of application on the region of the enlarged object.Alternatively, as the object is enlarged, the device may graduallyenlarge and display the execution image of the application.

In addition, when the size of the region of the enlarged object isgreater than a threshold value, various types of highlight effects maybe output from the device. For example, when the size of the region ofthe enlarged object is greater than the first threshold value bytouching and dragging the object, the device may output at least one ofpredetermined vibration and sound. Alternatively, when the size of theregion of the enlarged object is greater than the first threshold valueby touching and dragging the object, at least one of color andbrightness of the object may be differentiated or the object may bedisplayed tridimensionally. Alternatively, when the executing result ofapplication is displayed, the device may generate a predetermined smell.Alternatively, for example, when the executing result of application isdisplayed, a shape of a surface of the device may be changed and a usermay feel the change in the surface of the device via his or her sense oftouch. In this case, the surface of the device may partially becomeconvex or concave, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.Alternatively, when the size of the region of the enlarged object isgreater than a threshold value, a highlight effect may be differentiallyoutput from the device according to a type of the threshold value.

An example of a method of displaying a portion or an entire portion ofan execution image of application corresponding to an object will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of a method of executing applicationcorresponding to an object and displaying summary information anddetailed information about an executing result of the application as theobject is enlarged, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operations S500 to S550 of FIG. 5, the object may be continually orintermittently enlarged based on a user input.

In operation S500, a device receives a user input to an object. Inoperation S500, the device may receive a user input performed bytouching and dragging the object within a predetermined period of time.Alternatively, the device may receive a user input performed by touchingand dragging an edge portion of the object. Alternatively, the devicemay receive a user input performed by pinching the object. However, auser input received by the device is not limited to these types.

In operation S510, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than a first thresholdvalue. The device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, may compare the obtained size with the first threshold value,and may determine whether the size of the region of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

As a determining result of operation S510, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the first thresholdvalue, in operation S520, the device executes application correspondingto the object. Alternatively, as a determining result of operation S510,when the size of the region of the enlarged object is equal to orsmaller than the first threshold value, the device may determine whetherthe size of the region of the enlarged object is equal to or greaterthan the first threshold value again. In this case, the object may becontinually or intermittently displayed based on a user input.

In operation S530, the device displays the summary information of theexecuting result of application on the region of the enlarged object. Inoperation S530, the device may generate the summary information aboutthe executing result of application and may display the generatedsummary information on the region of the enlarged object. In addition,the device may increase the amount of the displayed summary informationas the object is enlarged.

In operation S540, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue. The device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, may compare the obtained size with the second threshold value,and may determine whether the size of the region of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

The second threshold value may be set according to a type of applicationcorresponding to the object. In addition, the second value may be setaccording to the number and size of components contained in an imageindicating an executing result of application. However, the exemplaryembodiment is not limited thereto.

As a determining result of operation S540, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue, in operation S550, the device displays detailed information ofthe executing result of application on the region of the enlargedobject. In addition, as the object is enlarged, the device may graduallyenlarge and display an image containing the detailed information of theexecuting result of application.

In addition, as a determining result of operation S540, when the size ofthe region of the enlarged object is equal to or smaller than the secondthreshold value, the device determines whether the size of the region ofthe enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue again. In this case, the object may be continually orintermittently enlarged based on a user input.

An example of a method of displaying summary information and detailedinformation of an executing result of application corresponding to anobject will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 17.

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of a method of executing videoapplication corresponding to an object and displaying an executingresult of the application, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operations S600 to S650 of FIG. 6, the object may be continually orintermittently enlarged based on a user input.

In operation S600, a device receives a user input to an object. Inoperation S600, the device may receive a user input performed bytouching and dragging the object within a predetermined period of time.Alternatively, the device may receive a user input performed by touchingand dragging an edge portion of the object. Alternatively, the devicemay receive a user input performed by pinching the object. However, auser input received by the device is not limited to these types.

In operation S610, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than a first thresholdvalue. The device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, may compare the obtained size with the first threshold value,and may determine whether the size of the region of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the first threshold value. As a determiningresult of operation S610, when the size of the region of the enlargedobject is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value, the devicedetermines whether the size of the region of the enlarged object isequal to or greater than the first threshold value again. In this case,the object may be continually or intermittently displayed based on auser input.

As a determining result of operation S610, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the first thresholdvalue, in operation S620, the device executes video applicationcorresponding to the object.

In operation S630, the device displays a preview image of a video on theregion of the enlarged object. The device may generate the preview imageof the video to be reproduced by video reproducing application.Alternatively, the device may receive the preview image of the video tobe reproduced by video reproducing application from a separate server(not shown). When the device receives the preview image from a server(not shown), the device may provide specification information about thedevice and an identification value of the video to be reproduced to aserver (not shown) and may receive the preview image that is encoded ina format suitable for the performance of the device. In addition, as theobject is enlarged, the device may gradually enlarge and display thepreview image.

In operation S640, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue. The device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, may compare the obtained size with the second threshold value,and may determine whether the size of the region of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

The second threshold value may be set according to the type ofapplication corresponding to the object. Alternatively, the secondthreshold value may be set according to the number and size ofcomponents contained in an image indicating an executing result ofapplication. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

As a determining result of operation S640, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue, in operation S650, the device displays a reproduced image of thevideo on the region of the enlarged object. In operation S650, thedevice may reproduce an original file of the video and may display areproduced image of the original file. In this case, a user interface(UI) for controlling reproduction of a video may be displayed together.

In addition, as a determining result of operation S640, when the size ofthe region of the enlarged object is equal to or smaller than the secondthreshold value, the device determines whether the size of the region ofthe enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue again. In this case, the object may be continually orintermittently enlarged based on a user input.

As the object is enlarged, the device may gradually enlarge and displaythe reproduced image of the video.

An example of a method of displaying a preview of a video and areproduced image of the video will be described in detail with referenceto FIG. 16.

FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of a method of executing calendarapplication corresponding to an object and displaying an executingresult, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operations S700 to S770 of FIG. 7, the object may be continually orintermittently enlarged based on a user input.

In operation S700, a device receives a user input to an object. Inoperation S700, the device may receive a user input performed bytouching and dragging the object within a predetermined period of time.Alternatively, the device may receive a user input performed by touchingand dragging an edge portion of the object. Alternatively, the devicemay receive a user input performed by pinching the object. However, auser input received by the device is not limited to these types.

In operation S710, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than a first thresholdvalue. The device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, may compare the obtained size with the first threshold value,and may determine whether the size of the region of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

As a determining result of operation S710, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the first thresholdvalue, in operation S720, the device executes calendar applicationcorresponding to the object. As a determining result of operation S710,when the size of the region of the enlarged object is equal to orsmaller than the first threshold value, the device determines whetherthe size of the region of the enlarged object is equal to or greaterthan the first threshold value again. In this case, the object may becontinually or intermittently displayed based on a user input.

In operation S730, the device displays a day unit image of the calendarapplication on the region of the enlarged object. The day unit image ofthe calendar application may contain a field for recording apredetermine date and a memo about a predetermine date. In addition, asthe object is enlarged, the device may gradually enlarge and display theday unit image of the calendar application.

In operation S740, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than a second thresholdvalue. The device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, may compare the obtained size with the second threshold value,and may determine whether the size of the region of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

As a determining result of operation S740, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue, in operation S750, the device displays a week unit image of thecalendar application on the region of the enlarged object. The week unitimage of the calendar application may contain a plurality of fields forrecording dates included in a predetermined week and memos about therespective dates. In addition, as the object is enlarged, the device maygradually enlarge and display the week unit image of the calendarapplication.

As a determining result of operation S740, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or smaller than the second thresholdvalue, the device determines whether the size of the region of theenlarged object is equal to or greater than the second threshold valueagain. In this case, the object may be continually or intermittentlydisplayed based on a user input.

In operation S760, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than a third thresholdvalue. The device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, may compare the obtained size with the third threshold value,and may determine whether the size of the region of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the third threshold value.

As a determining result of operation S760, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue, in operation S770, the device displays a month unit image of thecalendar application on the region of the enlarged object. The monthunit image of the calendar application may contain a plurality of fieldsfor recording dates included in a predetermined month and memos aboutthe respective dates. In addition, as the object is enlarged, the devicemay gradually enlarge and display the month unit image of the calendarapplication.

As a determining result of operation S760, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or smaller than the third thresholdvalue, the device determines whether the size of the region of theenlarged object is equal to or greater than the third threshold valueagain. In this case, the object may be continually or intermittentlydisplayed based on a user input.

An example of a method of displaying calendar application on a region ofthe enlarged object will be described in detail with reference to FIG.15.

FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of a method of executing musicreproducing application corresponding to an object and outputting anexecuting result, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operations S800 to S870 of FIG. 8, the object may be continually orintermittently enlarged based on a user input.

In operation S800, a device receives a user input to an object. Inoperation S800, the device may receive a user input performed bytouching and dragging the object within a predetermined period of time.Alternatively, the device may receive a user input performed by touchingand dragging an edge portion of the object. Alternatively, the devicemay receive a user input performed by pinching the object. However, auser input received by the device is not limited to these types.

In operation S810, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than a first thresholdvalue. The device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, may compare the obtained size with the first threshold value,and may determine whether the size of the region of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

As a determining result of operation S810, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or smaller than the first thresholdvalue, the device determines whether the size of the region of theenlarged object is equal to or greater than the first threshold valueagain. In this case, the object may be continually or intermittentlydisplayed based on a user input.

As a determining result of operation S810, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the first thresholdvalue, in operation S820, the device executes the music reproducingapplication corresponding to the object.

In operation S830, the device outputs a prelisten sound of music. Theprelisten sound is a sound for prelistening, and may be a portion of anentire sound of the music.

The device may generate the prelisten sound of the music to bereproduced by the music reproducing application. In addition, the devicemay receive the prelisten sound of the music to be reproduced by themusic reproducing application from a separate server (not shown). Whenthe device receives the prelisten sound from a separate server (notshown), the device may provide specification information about thedevice and an identification number of the music to be reproduced to aserver (not shown) and may receive the prelisten sound that is encodedin a format suitable for the performance of the device.

In operation S840, the device displays summary information about themusic on the region of the enlarged object. In operation S530, thedevice may generate the summary information about the music and maydisplay the generated summary information on the region of the enlargedobject. In addition, the device may increase the amount of the displayedsummary information as the object is enlarged.

In operation S850, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue. The device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, may compare the obtained size with the second threshold value,and may determine whether the size of the region of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

As a determining result of operation S850, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or smaller than the second thresholdvalue, the device determines whether the size of the region of theenlarged object is equal to or greater than the second threshold valueagain. In this case, the object may be continually or intermittentlyenlarged based on a user input.

In addition, as a determining result of operation S850, when the size ofthe region of the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the secondthreshold value, in operation S860, the device may output an entiresound of the music.

In operation S870, the device may display a control image forcontrolling reproduction of the music on the region of the enlargedobject. The device may display a user interface (UI) for reproducing themusic and detailed information about the music together. In addition,the device may gradually enlarge and display the control image of themusic as the object is enlarged.

An example of a method of displaying an executing result of musicreproducing application will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 17.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of receiving additional information ofan object and content about the object from a server and displaying theinformation as the object is enlarged via a device, according to anexemplary embodiment.

In operations S900 to S980 of FIG. 9, the object may be continually orintermittently enlarged based on a user input.

In operation S900, the device receives a user input to an object. Inoperation S900, the device may receive a user input performed bytouching and dragging the object within a predetermined period of time.Alternatively, the device may receive a user input performed by touchingand dragging an edge portion of the object. Alternatively, the devicemay receive a user input performed by pinching the object. However, auser input received by the device is not limited to these types.

In operation S910, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than a first thresholdvalue. The device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, may compare the obtained size with the first threshold value,and may determine whether the size of the region of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

As a determining result of operation S910, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or smaller than the first thresholdvalue, the device determines whether the size of the region of theenlarged object is equal to or greater than the first threshold valueagain. In this case, the object may be continually or intermittentlydisplayed based on a user input.

In addition, as a determining result of operation S910, when the size ofthe region of the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the firstthreshold value, in operation S920, the device request a server foradditional information about the object. For example, when the object isan icon for executing a video, the device may request the server for theadditional information about the video. The additional information aboutthe video may include, for example, at least one of the type, title,amount, copywriter, a running time, and user evaluation of the video.

In operation S930, the device receives the requested additionalinformation from the server. The server may obtain the additionalinformation about the object and may provide the additional informationto the device, in response to the request for the additionalinformation. The server may collect the additional information fromanother server or may extract additional information from a database(DB) contained in the server.

In operation S940, the device displays the additional information on theregion of the enlarged object. The additional information may bedifferentially displayed according to the size of the region of theenlarged object. For example, types of the additional information may bedifferentially displayed according to the size of the region of theenlarged object.

In operation S950, the device determines whether the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue. The device may obtain the size of the region of the enlargedobject, may compare the obtained size with the second threshold value,and may determine whether the size of the region of the enlarged objectis equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

As a determining result of operation S950, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or smaller than the second thresholdvalue, the device may determine whether the size of the region of theenlarged object is equal to or greater than the second threshold valueagain. In this case, the object may be continually or intermittentlydisplayed based on a user input.

As a determining result of operation S950, when the size of the regionof the enlarged object is equal to or greater than the second thresholdvalue, in operation S960, the device may request the server for contentabout the object. For example, when the object is an icon for executinga video, the device may request the server for video content.

In operation S960, the device receives the requested content from theserver. The server may obtain content about the object and may providethe content to the device. The server may collect the content fromanother server or may extract the content from a DB contained in theserver. In addition, the content about the object may be provided to thedevice via a downloading method or a streaming method.

In operation S970, the device displays a reproduced image of thereceived content. The device may enlarge and display the reproducedimage of the content as the region of the object is enlarged. However,the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

In FIG. 9, for example, the content about the object may include, but isnot limited to, a video, a still image, and a text.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a user input for executingapplication corresponding to an object, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, when a user touches and drags (12) an edge portion11 of a weather icon 10 that is an example of the object, a device mayselect a second execution mode from among a plurality of execution modesof the object. In addition, weather application corresponding to theweather icon 10 may be executed according to the second execution mode.In addition, as the weather icon 10 is enlarged, an executing result ofthe weather application may be gradually enlarged and displayed on aregion of the enlarged object.

When a portion (for example, a portion of the object or some wordscontained in the object) of the weather icon 10 is touched and dragged,the device may select the second execution mode from among a pluralityof execution modes.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a case where an enlarged object is reduced,according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, after the weather icon 10 is touched and dragged(12), the device may receive an input performed by flicking (13) theweather icon 10 in an opposite direction to a direction in which theobject is enlarged while the touch is maintained. Alternatively, as thedevice receives an input performed by touching, dragging, and flickingthe object, the device may reduce the enlarged weather icon 10 to anoriginal size. In this case, the device may terminate execution of theweather application corresponding to the weather icon 10.

In addition, as the weather icon 10 is touched and dragged (12) a regionof the weather icon 10 may be enlarged. Further, the enlarged region ofthe weather icon 10 may be fixed according to a predetermined userinput. When a portion of the enlarged region of the weather icon 10 istouched and dragged in an opposite direction to a direction in which theweather icon 10 is enlarged, the enlarged region of the weather icon 10may be reduced.

Alternatively, as the weather icon 10 is touched and dragged (12), aftera region of the weather icon 10 is enlarged and the region of theweather icon 10 is fixed according to a predetermined user input, when aportion (for example, a region of an icon for restoring the enlargedregion) of the region of the weather icon 10 is touched, the enlargedregion of the weather icon 10 may be reduced.

Alternatively, after the weather icon 10 is touched and dragged (12), asthe touch is finished within a predetermined period of time, theenlarged region of the weather icon 10 may be reduced.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a case where an object is fixed and displayed,according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, after the weather icon 10 is touched and dragged(12), as the touch is maintained for a predetermined period of time ormore, the device may fix the size of the enlarged region of the weathericon 10.

After the weather icon 10 is touched and dragged (12), when a pressureapplied by touching a display is equal to or greater than apredetermined value, the device may fix the size of the enlarged regionof the weather icon 10.

In addition, a predetermined icon 14 for indicating that the region ofthe weather icon 10 is fixed may be displayed on an upper right portionof the fixed region of the weather icon 10. When the size of the regionof the weather icon 10 is fixed, an edge 15 of the region of the weathericon 10 colored with a predetermined color blinks a plurality of numberof times. Alternatively, when the size of the region of the weather icon10 is fixed, vibration of a predetermined pattern may be generated fromthe device. Alternatively, the device may output an effect obtained bycombining two or more of a visual effect, an aural effect, and a tactileeffect, which indicate that the size of the region of the weather icon10 is fixed.

Alternatively, for example, after the object is touched and dragged, asa predetermined portion of the object is taped, the size of the enlargedobject may be fixed. If the object is touched and dragged and then anicon having a pin shape is displayed at a corner of the object for apredetermined period of time, when the user taps the pin icon, the sizeof the enlarged object may be fixed. When the pin icon is not tappedwithin a predetermined period of time, the enlarged object may bereduced to an original size.

Alternatively, for example, after a user touches the object with twofingers and drags the objects with one finger of the two fingers, whenthe user drops the touch of the finger used for the dragging from theobject and then touches the object with the finger again, the size ofthe object may be fixed.

Alternatively, for example, after a user touches the object with afinger, the user rubs the object with the finger, the size of the objectmay be fixed.

Alternatively, for example, after a user touches the object, the userrubs the object, when the user inputs a predetermined voice to thedevice, the size of the object may be fixed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a case where an executing result of applicationcorresponding to an object is displayed as the object is graduallyenlarged, according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, as the weather icon 10 is enlarged, the weathericon 10 may not longer exist in the enlarged region of the weather icon10 or may overlap the enlarged region of the weather icon 10 and anexecution image 16 of weather application may be displayed.Alternatively, as the enlarged region is gradually enlarged, theexecution image 16 of weather application may be gradually enlarged anddisplayed. Alternatively, the weather icon 10 may be displayed togetherwith the execution image 16 of the weather application.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a case where a portion 18 or an entire portion20 of an execution image of application corresponding to an object isdisplayed on a screen as the object is gradually enlarged, according toanother exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, as the weather icon 10 is gradually enlarged, theportion 18 or the entire portion 20 of the execution image of weatherapplication may be displayed on the enlarged region of the weather icon10. In detail, when the size of the enlarged region of the weather icon10 is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and is equal toor smaller than a second threshold value, a portion of the executionimage of the weather application may be gradually enlarged anddisplayed, as shown in FIGS. 14( b) and 14(c).

In addition, when the region of the enlarged region of the weather icon10 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, an entireportion of the execution image of the weather application may begradually enlarged and displayed, as shown in FIGS. 14( c) and 14(d).

Alternatively, when the size of the enlarged region of the weather icon10 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and is equal toor smaller than the second threshold value, information about weather ofa predetermined date may be displayed. When the size of the enlargedregion of the weather icon 10 is equal to or greater than the secondthreshold value, information about weather of a predetermined week maybe displayed. For example, when the weather application is executed onMonday and the size of the enlarged region of the weather icon 10 isequal to or greater than the first threshold value and is equal to orsmaller than the second threshold value, weather information of Mondaymay be displayed. In addition, when the size of the enlarged region ofthe weather icon 10 is equal to or greater than the first thresholdvalue and is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, as theenlarged region of the weather icon 10 is enlarged, weather informationof Monday and Tuesday may be displayed. In addition, when the size ofthe enlarged region of the weather icon 10 is equal to or greater thanthe second threshold value, weather information of Monday to Sunday maybe displayed.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a case where a calendar image is graduallychanged and displayed as an object is enlarged when applicationcorresponding to the object is calendar application, according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, as a calendar icon 30 is gradually enlarged, anexecuting result of the calendar application may be gradually displayedon the enlarged region of the calendar icon 30. In detail, when the sizeof the enlarged region of the calendar icon 30 is equal to or greaterthan the first threshold value and is equal to or smaller than thesecond threshold value, a day unit image 32 of the calendar applicationmay be displayed, as shown in FIG. 15( b). In addition, when the size ofthe enlarged region of the calendar icon 30 is equal to or greater thanthe second threshold value and is equal to or smaller than the thirdthreshold value, a week unit image 34 of the calendar application may bedisplayed, as shown in FIG. 15( c). In addition, when the size of theenlarged region of the calendar icon 30 is equal to or greater than thethird threshold value, a month unit image 36 of the calendar applicationmay be displayed, as shown in FIG. 15( d). In addition, as the enlargedregion of the calendar icon 30 is enlarged, the day unit image 32, theweek unit image 34, and the month unit image 36 of the calendarapplication may be gradually enlarged and displayed.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a case where a preview image 42 of a video and areproduced image 44 of the video are displayed as an object is enlargedwhen application corresponding to the object is video application,according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, as a video icon 40 is gradually enlarged, thepreview image 42 of the video and the reproduced image 44 of the videomay be gradually displayed on the enlarged region of the video icon 40.In detail, when the size of the enlarged region of the video icon 40 isequal to or greater than the first threshold value and is equal to orsmaller than the second threshold value, the preview image 42 of thevideo may be displayed, as shown in FIG. 16( b). In addition, when thesize of the enlarged region of the video icon 40 is equal to or greaterthan the second threshold value, the reproduced image 44 of the videomay be displayed, as shown in FIG. 16( c). In addition, the reproducedimage 44 of the video may contain a plurality of icons for controllingreproduction of the video.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a case where an executing result of applicationis gradually changed and displayed as an object is gradually enlargedwhen application corresponding to the object is music reproducingapplication, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, as a music icon 50 is gradually enlarged, summaryinformation 52 about the music and an image 54 for controllingreproduction of the music may be gradually displayed on the enlargedregion of the music icon 50. In detail, when the size of the enlargedregion of the music icon 50 is equal to or greater than the firstthreshold value and is equal to or smaller than the second thresholdvalue, the summary information 52 about the music may be displayed, asshown in FIG. 17( b). In addition, simultaneously, a prelisten sound ofthe music may be output from the device.

In addition, when the size of the enlarged region of the music icon 50is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the image 54 forcontrolling reproduction of the music may be displayed, as shown in FIG.17( c). In addition, simultaneously, a reproduced sound of the music maybe output from the device.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a case where an executing result of applicationis gradually changed and displayed as an object is gradually enlargedwhen application corresponding to the object is Internet browserexecuting application, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18, as an Internet browser icon 60 is graduallydisplayed, a mobile browser 62 and a personal computer (PC) browser 64may be gradually displayed on the enlarged region of the Internetbrowser icon 60. In detail, when the size of the enlarged region of theInternet browser icon 60 is equal to or greater than the first thresholdvalue and is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, themobile browser 62 may be displayed, as shown in FIG. 18( b).

In addition, when the size of the enlarged region of the Internetbrowser icon 60 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value,the PC browser 64 may be displayed, as shown in FIG. 18( c).

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a case where the positions and arrangements ofobjects other than an enlarged object 3000 are adjusted as the object3000 is enlarged, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 19, when the object 3000 is enlarged, the positionsand arrangements of the other objects other than the enlarged object3000 may be changed such that the other objects other may not overlapthe enlarged object 3000.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of a case where an enlarged image 3010 of whichtransparency is adjusted is displayed as the object 3010 is enlarged,according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 20, when the object 3010 is enlarged, the enlargedobject 3010 may overlap other objects. In addition, the transparency ofthe enlarged object 3010 may be adjusted and may be displayed to betranslucent.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of a case where an object contained in an enlargedobject is enlarged and displayed according to a user input, according toan exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 21, as a first object on a screen of a device isenlarged, a plurality of objects related to the first object may bedisplayed on the enlarged region of the first object. Then, according toa predetermined user input, the enlarged region of the first object maybe fixed. Then, when a second object is touched and dragged from amongthe plurality of objects, the second object may be enlarged.

For example, as an icon 3030 for viewing files stored in the device,another device, or a server is enlarged, the files stored in the device,another device, or the server may be displayed on the enlarged region ofthe icon 3030. In addition, as a file 3040 of the displayed files isenlarged, additional information about the file 3040 and an executingresult of the file 3040 may be displayed on the enlarged region of thefile 3040.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of a case where information about a message isdisplayed as a message notice window 3050 is enlarged, according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 22, when a device receives a message, the messagenotice window 3050 may be displayed on a screen of the device. In thiscase, summary information about the received message may be displayed onthe message notice window 3050. For example, the phrase ‘receive OOOmessage’ may be displayed on the message notice window 3050.

Then, when the message notice window 3050 is enlarged according to auser input, detailed information of the message may be displayed on theenlarged region of the message notice window 3050. For example, thetitle and contents of the message may be displayed on the enlargedregion of the message notice window 3050.

In addition, the message notice window 3050 may include a button forreleasing locking of the device, which is displayed on at least one ofthe displayed image and wallpaper. However, the exemplary embodiment isnot limited thereto.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of a case where some of a plurality of widgetwindows are enlarged and displayed on a screen of a device, according toan exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 23, a plurality of widget windows may be displayed onthe screen of the device and one widget window 3060 from among theplurality of widget windows may be enlarged. The enlarged widget window3060 may overlap other widget windows and may be displayed, and detailedinformation about content corresponding to the widget window 3060 may bedisplayed on the enlarged region of the widget window 3060.

FIG. 24 is a diagram of a case where regions of a plurality of enlargedobjects are fixed on a screen of a device, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 24, a first object 3070 about weather may be enlarged,the enlarged region of the first object 3070 may be fixed, and weatherinformation may be displayed on the fixed region of the first object3070, on the screen of the device. In addition, a second object 3080about a calendar may be enlarged, the enlarged region of the secondobject 3080 may be fixed, and calendar information may be displayed onthe fixed region of the second object 3080, on the screen of the device.In addition, the enlarged region of the first object 3070 and theenlarged region of the second object 3080 may be displayed together onthe screen of the device.

FIG. 25 is a diagram of a case where a device receives a music file froma server and displays information about the music file on an enlargedregion of a music file icon, as the music file icon is enlarged,according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 25, as the music file icon music file icon is enlargedto be equal to or greater than the first threshold value, additionalinformation about a music file may be displayed on the enlarged regionof the music file icon. In this case, the device may receive theadditional information about the music file from a server. However, theexemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

Then, when the music file icon music file icon is enlarged to be equalto or greater than the second threshold value, the device downloads amusic file from a server. In this case, information indicating adownloading degree of the music file may be displayed on the enlargedregion of the music file icon.

Then, when the downloading is completed, an image for controlling themusic file may be displayed on the enlarged region of the music file.

FIG. 26 is a diagram of a case where information about a video file isdisplayed on an enlarged region of a video file when a device cannotreproduce the video file, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 26, as a video file icon is enlarged to be equal to orgreater than the first threshold value, additional information about thevideo file may be displayed on the enlarged region of the video file. Inthis case, the device may receive the additional information about thevideo file from a server. However, the exemplary embodiment is notlimited thereto.

Then, when a video file icon is enlarged to be equal to or greater thanthe second threshold value, the device downloads the video file from aserver. In this case, information indicating a downloading degree of thevideo file may be displayed on the enlarged region of the video file.

Then, when the device cannot reproduce the downloaded video file, noticeinformation indicating that the video cannot be reproduced may bedisplayed on the enlarged region of the video file. In addition,separate link information may be displayed such that the device mayreproduce the video file. For example, when codec or application forreproducing the video file is not installed in the device, linkinformation for downloading the code or the application may be displayedon the screen.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of a device for executing an object on a display,according to an exemplary embodiment.

A mobile communication unit 1001 performs call set-up and datacommunication with a base station via a cellular network such as 3generation/4 generation (3G/4G). A sub-communication unit 1002 performsfunctions for local communication such as Bluetooth or near fieldcommunication (NFC). A broadcast receiver 1003 receives digitalmultimedia broadcasting (DMB) signals.

A camera unit 1004 may include a lens and optical device for capturing astill image or video.

A sensor unit 1005 may include a gravity sensor for detecting a motionof the device, an illumination sensor for detecting brightness, aproximity sensor for detecting the proximity of a person, a motionsensor for detecting a motion of a person, and so on.

A global positioning system (GPS) receiver 1006 receives GPS signalsfrom an artificial satellite. Various services may be provided to a userby using the GPS signals.

An input/output unit 1010 may provide an interface with an externaldevice or the human and may include a button 1011, a microphone 1012, aspeaker 1013, a vibration motor 1014, a connector 1015, and a keypad1016.

A touch screen 1018 receives a user touch input. A touch screencontroller 1017 transmits the user touch input received via the touchscreen 1018 to a processor 1050. A power supply 1019 is connected to abattery or an external power source in order to supply power requiredfor the device.

The processor 1050 executes programs stored in a memory 1060 so as toexecute an object on a display and to display an executing result on ascreen, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The programs stored in the memory 1060 may be divided into a pluralityof modules according to their functions, and for example, may be dividedinto a mobile communication module 1061, a Wi-Fi module 1062, aBluetooth module 1063, a DMB module 1064, a camera module 1065, a sensormodule 1066, a GPS module 1067, a video reproducing module 1068, anaudio reproducing module 1069, a power module 1070, a touch screenmodule 1071, a UI module 1072, an application module 1073, and so on.

For example, the mobile communication module 1061, the Wi-Fi module1062, and the Bluetooth module 1063 may receive information about anobject from another device or a server by using at least one of themobile communication unit 1001, the sub-communication unit 1002, and thebroadcast receiver 1003.

In addition, for example, the touch screen module 1071 may receive theuser touch input via the screen of the device.

In addition, for example, the application module 1073 may determine thetype of the user touch input and may determine whether the object isenlarged according to the user touch input. For example, the applicationmodule 1073 may determine whether the size of the region of the enlargedobject is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, theapplication module 1073 may determine information to be displayed on theregion of the enlarged object. In addition, for example, the applicationmodule 1073 may determine how a displayed image is processed as theobject is enlarged.

In addition, for example, the UI module 1072 may enlarge and display theobject on the screen of the device and may display predeterminedinformation on the enlarged region of the object, based on thedetermination of the application module 1073. In addition, for example,the UI module 1072 may fix and display the enlarge region of the objector may reduce the enlarged region of the object, based on thedetermination of the application module 1073.

Functions of the aforementioned modules may be intuitively inferred byone of ordinary skill in the art based on their titles. The modules maycorrespond to combinations of commands for performing one or morefunctions that have been described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 18.

The commands do not need to be executed in separate programs, processes,or modules. The memory 1060 may contain further commands or a smallernumber of commands than the commands. In addition, various functions ofa device may be executed in software and/or hardware including at leastone processor and/or application specific integrated circuit.

Throughout this specification, the one or more exemplary embodiments andall functional operations may be performed in a digital electroniccircuit, or computer software, firmware, hardware, a combination of oneor more thereof, which includes the aforementioned structures andequivalent structures thereof.

The computer readable medium may be any recording apparatus capable ofstoring data that is read by a computer system, e.g., a read-only memory(ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a compact disc (CD)-ROM, a magnetictape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, and so on. Thecomputer readable medium can be distributed among computer systems thatare interconnected through a network, and the present invention may bestored and implemented as computer readable code in the distributedsystem.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form anddetails may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing a user interface in amobile device, the method comprising: controlling a touch display topresent a plurality of visual display elements which are associated witha plurality of applications, respectively, wherein one of the pluralityof visual display elements is presented in a defined first size andprovides first information within the one of the plurality of visualdisplay elements; based on a touch at the one of the plurality of visualdisplay elements presented in the defined first size, controlling tochange a size of the one of the plurality of visual display elementsfrom the defined first size to a defined second size and requestingcontent, to a server related to an application associated with the oneof the plurality of visual display elements; based on determining thatthe requested content is received from the server in response to therequest, controlling to provide second information within the one of theplurality of visual display elements presented in the defined secondsize, the second information generated based on the received contentfrom the server; and based on determining that the requested content isnot received from the server, controlling to provide third informationwithin the one of the plurality of visual display elements presented inthe defined second size, the third information generated based onpreviously received content stored in a memory before the request. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the one of the plurality of visualdisplay elements presented in the defined first size is an icon.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the one of the plurality of visual displayelements presented in the defined first size comprises a static graphic.4. The method of claim 1, wherein the application associated with theone of the plurality of visual display elements comprises one of a stockapplication, a news application and a weather application.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the touch comprises a first touch input followed bya second touch input.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first touchinput comprises a touch and hold input.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the second touch input is received at a location correspondingto a location of the one of the plurality of visual display elements. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the second touch input enlarges orreduces the one of the plurality of visual display elements.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the content related to the applicationassociated with the one of the plurality of visual display elementscomprises one of a photographed image, a moving image and a text.
 10. Anapparatus comprising: a touch display; a communication unit; a memory;and a processor configured to: control the touch display to present aplurality of visual display elements which are associated with aplurality of applications, respectively, wherein one of the plurality ofvisual display elements is presented in a defined first size andprovides first information within the one of the plurality of visualdisplay elements; based on a touch at the one of the plurality of visualdisplay elements presented in the defined first size, change a size ofthe one of the plurality of visual display elements from the definedfirst size to a defined second size and control the communication unitto request content, to a server related to an application associatedwith the one of the plurality of visual display elements; based ondetermining that the requested content is received from the server inresponse to the request, control the touch display to provide secondinformation within the one of the plurality of visual display elementspresented in the defined second size, the second information generatedbased on the received content from the server; and based on determiningthat the requested content is not received from the server, control thetouch display to provide third information within the one of theplurality of visual display elements presented in the defined secondsize, the third information generated based on previously receivedcontent stored in the memory before the request.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the one of the plurality of visual display elementspresented in the defined first size is an icon.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the one of the plurality of visual display elementspresented in the defined first size comprises a static graphic.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the application associated with the oneof the plurality of visual display elements comprises a weatherapplication.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the touch comprisesa first touch input followed by a second touch input.
 15. The apparatusof claim 14, wherein the first touch input comprises a touch and holdinput.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second touch input isdetected at a location corresponding to a location of the one of theplurality of visual display elements.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the content related to the application associated with the oneof the plurality of visual display elements comprises one of aphotographed image, a moving image and a text.
 18. A non-transitorycomputer readable medium comprising instructions executable by acomputer to cause the computer to perform: controlling a touch displayto present a plurality of visual display elements which are associatedwith a plurality of applications, respectively, wherein one of theplurality of visual display elements is presented in a defined firstsize and provides first information within the one of the plurality ofvisual display elements; based on a touch at the one of the plurality ofvisual display elements presented in the defined first size, controllingto change a size of the one of the plurality of visual display elementsfrom the defined first size to a defined second size and requestingcontent, to a server, related to an application associated with the oneof the plurality of visual display elements; based on determining thatthe requested content is received from the server in response to therequest, controlling to provide second information within the one of theplurality of visual display elements presented in the defined secondsize, the second information generated based on the received contentfrom the server; and based on determining that the requested content isnot received from the server, controlling to provide third informationwithin the one of the plurality of visual display elements presented inthe defined second size, the third information generated based onpreviously received content stored in a memory before the request. 19.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the oneof the plurality of visual display elements presented in the definedfirst size is an icon.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 18, wherein the one of the plurality of visual display elementspresented in the defined first size comprises a static graphic.
 21. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein theapplication associated with the one of the plurality of visual displayelements comprises one of a stock application, a news application and aweather application.
 22. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 18, wherein the touch comprises a first touch input followed by asecond touch input.
 23. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 22, wherein the first touch input comprises a touch and holdinput.
 24. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 23,wherein the second touch input is received at a location correspondingto a location of the one of the plurality of visual display elements.25. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 24, wherein thesecond touch input enlarges or reduces the one of the plurality ofvisual display elements.
 26. The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 18, wherein the content related to the application associatedwith the one of the plurality of visual display elements comprises oneof a photographed image, a moving image and a text.